How to Deice your Car the right way!

With January and February being the coldest months of the year, it’s hugely important to ensure our cars are de-iced and defrosted in the correct way. Driving in a car with a windscreen that is covered in ice can be extremely dangerous, as well as against the law.

It clearly states in the Highway Code that all windows and windscreens must be clean and free of any vision obstructions, including ice and snow. This rule also applies to condensation that can form inside the car from the cold weather. It’s also important to remember that ice can also cover lights and mirrors, so it’s important to ensure they’re clear before setting off on your journey.

All you will need to de-ice your car is an ice scraper and some de-icer liquid if necessary. If you choose to use a de-icer liquid, spray it onto your window starting at the top. This will slowly make its way down the screen as it begins to melt the ice. Using a scraper as well as the liquid is a great idea to get any bits of ice the liquid may have missed.

Of course many people opt to use an ice scraper alone. When using an ice scraper, use firm, long strokes from the top of the glass to the bottom. Ensure all ice is removed from the entire screen, and never be tempted to only remove ice from the driver’s side. You may find that your windscreen wipers have frozen when conditions are cold and icy. Don’t force them up from the window, and instead ensure all ice has been removed. De-icer liquid can be particularly handy if this situation occurs.

Top Tip: Though it may seem like a quick fix at first, it’s absolutely vital that you never pour boiling water onto a car to melt ice. Pouring boiling water directly onto glass can cause it to crack or break.

If you decide to turn your car on in order to warm up the engine, you must not leave your car unattended. This includes going back inside your house, even if it’s parked right outside. It’s actually against the law to leave a running car untended, not to mention your car could be stolen with the keys left in the ignition and the doors unlocked. However, using the car’s engine to help melt ice and snow is a successful way of doing so, though you will need to sit inside the car and wait for this lengthy process to happen.

If you’re unsure on what tools to use in order to de-ice your car in the correct way, we’d be happy to help. You can get in touch with a member of the team by visiting our contact page or by giving us a call on 0845 299 7955.